Commanders star quarterback Jayden Daniels got a brush of luck by dodging a severe injury from his dislocated elbow, but surgery will eventually be needed.
On the latest episode of the “Adam Schefter Podcast”, the ESPN NFL insider discussed how Daniels avoided immediate surgery, but a procedure looms once the season concludes.
“Jayden Daniels is going to need surgery. He’s probably going to need surgery after this season. He’s putting it off so he can play with his team now,” Schefter said.
The Commanders’ 2024 first-round pick has faced elbow issues for about a year.
His season ended in 2025 when he dislocated it against the Seahawks.
The same injury happened again at the end of the first half of Washington’s game against the Cowboys in Week 2.
The injury led to backup Marcus Mariota finishing the game and getting the start Week 3 versus Seattle.
Medical specialists confirmed that Daniels did not suffer any fractures or extensive ligament damage in his elbow. General Manager Adam Peters also announced that surgery is not being considered at this time.
Although Daniels’ dislocation this time around wasn’t as serious, the quarterback is most likely not suiting up for the Commanders’ Week 4 matchup against the Colts in London. He did, however, make the trip to practice in the lead-up to Sunday’s game.
“We will see how the week progresses, but I would guess on this Tuesday morning that Marcus Mariota starts Sunday in London,” Schefter said.
Sunday will be the 12th game of 19 possible starts that Daniels has missed since playing every game of his rookie season in Washington. The Commanders are 4-7 with Daniels out of the lineup. Without Daniels, Washington’s passing attack goes from 195 yards per game to 158 yards.
Mariota was able to come up big in his first start of the season in Washington’s 33-31 upset victory over Seattle. He completed 19-of-31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns against one of the NFL’s best defensive units.
The Commanders now look for an encore performance from the 32-year-old quarterback as they travel across the pond with a chance for their first 3-1 start since 2024.